As a new Pantera owner I'm biased, I've got the lowered footwell and like it, though I'll probably sit more in my smooth water.

The Baja's are not in the same league though they are a lot of boat for the money- especially 5 yr old's which already depreciated a bunch.

The fountains's are nice, I just wish Reggie would call a spade a spade- Then again, that's what lets him be near the top of "speed per foot of boat with stock power charts". My 28 is closer to my buddies 32 fever in size- except his ass droops more (way to much) with twins

Do the Phantom's come in a pleasure version? Every boat I've seen had "goofy" bolsters for pleasure use.

I've got a real fast fiberglass pontoon type boat for sale if you decide to go that way

Fountain because I had one and it was tough as nails (it was called a 27 back then it did have the swim platform so I can say it was a 29!)
Pantera from the raves i have heard around here from people I value opinions from.

I've never been on a Pantera - but I'd have to vote for them from everything I've seen and read. Their construction is impressive. My 259 Checkmate with a 500 HP was one of the fastest single engine v-hulls around upstate NY lakes, but man what a difference when I put it in real water (Long Island Sound). I will not run it out there for another season because I'm afraid there will be nothing left of it. The Pantera/Cigarette/Powerplay/Sonic and a few others are absolute wave crushers that my Checkmate would have easily smoked on my 15 mile lake (no waves) back home - but no way out here. They pass me drinking cocktails while everyone on my boat is holding on for dear life as we bounce around.

I voted a couple of days ago. Picked the obvious choice in my opinion. Yes I realize it's nothing more than just an opinion.

I do know that the Sunsation would be VERY close second. I just feel like they're A LOT of boat for the $$$. Not to mention the fact that I think the owner's seem like great people. Had to mention that since it wasn't an option.